New acting director at Community Animal Services of Pueblo

The Community Animal Services of Pueblo has a new acting director amid an investigation by the Department of Agriculture.

Anthony Mestas with our partners at The Pueblo Chieftain confirmed that Lisa Buccambuso will be the acting director.

The move comes as Pueblo’s animal shelter is dealing with the active investigation and other changes to personnel. Staff veterinarian Dr. Joel Brubaker is no longer employed with the shelter, and director Linda Mitchell was placed on leave last week.

The shelter remains fully operational, and the animals remain their top priority, according to a spokesperson. It is unclear if the animals’ well-being played any role in how this investigation got started.

Board President Ruth McDonald said the shelter doesn’t want to comment on any personnel changes. McDonald said, “There are corrective actions being taken, including staff evaluations and training.”

Buccambuso is the executive director at the Southern Colorado Spay and Neuter Association and No Kill Shelter.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.